Senior Living Apartments in Cleveland, OH
Located along the shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland, Ohio is a historical lake port town that has grown into a vibrant metropolis. Cleveland takes strides to be a senior-friendly city so its growing population of retirees will feel welcome to stay in the city through their retirement years. Cleveland is home to many annual festival celebrations and iconic American nostalgia, such as the “A Christmas Story” house and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Its central location puts Cleveland within reach of wonderful attractions, including sparkling beaches, idyllic Amish country, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
This guide to Cleveland senior apartment communities is based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. Find information about payment options, health and safety regulations, and other resources for Cleveland seniors below.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Cleveland, OH
The staff, maintenance, housekeeping, and the office staff are professional and friendly! The facility is like a home setting! The floors are decorated by a designated resident(and they really put their ...
Have and Lakewood is a great facility. It is expensive, but staff is responsive and top notch. I cannot say enough. And I mean that from the caring and responsive mgmnt/staff right down to the quality of...
With a spirit of caring and an atmosphere of casual elegance we found McGregor to be a best kept secret when it comes to a unique living experience surrounded by programming with a purpose! Our family has...
My loved one is a resident at Saint Luke's Manor. This facility is perfect for her and we are grateful! It's an Independent Senior Living Facility. I would definitely recommend Saint Luke's Manor to others...
I moved in Newport Square in Warrensville Hts, OH on [date removed], 2022. Since I moved in, I have contacted the manager several times and she has always been so patient and very professional in answering...
I do not know what else that they can improve on. They are just welcoming and they spend time with the elderly, and make sure they are comfortable. The neighbors introduce themselves. It is just a wonderful...
My Mother lives in the Educator. She is very happy with her life on a daily basis. Lots of friendly people everywhere and many activities to keep her social and moving. Her apartment is a corner one...
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Our methodology
How we rank order the Cleveland community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Cleveland community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of senior apartments in the Cleveland area
- What families are saying about senior apartments in Cleveland
- How people pay for senior apartments in Cleveland
- Understand Ohio laws and regulations for senior apartments
- What to expect from senior apartments in Cleveland
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Cleveland? Highlights for seniors
Costs of senior apartments in the Cleveland area
Senior apartments in Cleveland cost an average of $1,377 per month, according to A Place For Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This cost represents the average amount paid by real seniors referred to our Cleveland partners in 2022 – 2023. This amount includes rent plus optional add-on features, which may include things like the following:
- Parking access
- Pet deposits
- Floor plan varieties
- Patios, balconies, or other apartment features
- Room amenities
The figures outlined in the chart below represent a baseline of Cleveland-area senior apartment costs before the costs of amenities.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Cleveland, OH vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Cleveland, OH vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Cleveland vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Senior Apartments in Cleveland, OH by room type
What families are saying about senior apartments in Cleveland
Recent reviews for senior apartments in Cleveland
Westerly Apartments in Lakewood, OH
Educators Apartments in Parma Heights, OH
Westwood Place in Strongsville, OH
How people pay for senior apartments in Cleveland
You can combine several private and public assistance options to help you pay for Cleveland senior living. Taking an appraisal of your own financial position will help you decide the best way to pay for a senior apartment and any additional support services you may need.
If you have a chronic illness, a disability, or another need for personal care services, public assistance like Medicaid and Medicare may help cover the cost of in-home care services in your apartment.
Private pay methods can include any type of income. If you’re retired and no longer receive a paycheck, your income could be savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, investment returns, or any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Cleveland
About 76% of Cleveland veterans are 55+.
If you served in the U.S. military, you may be eligible for benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that can help you with senior living and long-term care expenses. Veterans pension benefits and additional stipends like the Aid and Attendance benefit are designed to be supplemental monthly income for senior veterans and their surviving spouses.[03]
Getting assistance from veterans service officers
Applying for veterans benefits can be tricky. You may qualify and still be denied eligibility due to a mistake in the application process, which is why application assistance can be highly beneficial. A veterans service officer in your area can offer assistance and referrals to help you get through the application process successfully.
As fellow veterans trained and certified in benefits offerings, veterans service officers are available to help Ohio senior veterans get the most out of their eligibility. Visit one of the Ohio Department of Veterans Affairs field offices to seek help with your VA benefits application.
Additional assistance with VA benefits
For additional support with finding veterans benefits, visit the Ohio Department of Veterans Services webpage or contact the VA office in your area. On the Ohio Attorney General website, you’ll find information on community resources for veterans such as the following:
- Financial assistance
- Legal support and advocacy
- Housing assistance
- Rehabilitation support services
Veterans service organizations (VSOs) in each state are another solid resource for veterans. Find information on Cleveland VSOs, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars offices, Disabled American Veterans offices, and other support below.
Resources for Cleveland veterans
Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission
1849 Prospect Ave., Suite 150
Cleveland, OH 44115
Phone: 216-698-2600
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cleveland Regional Office
1240 E. Ninth St.
Cleveland, OH 44199
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Verne Riff State Office Tower
77 S. High St., #7
Columbus, OH 43215
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
VFW — Ohio
Cleveland Regional Office
1240 E. Ninth St., Suite 1013a
Cleveland, OH 44199
Phone: 216-522-3510
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
DAV — Ohio
Cleveland Regional Office
1240 E. Ninth St., Suite 1017b
Cleveland, OH 44199
Phone: 216-522-3507
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Medicaid is federal- and state-funded medical insurance for Americans with disabilities or low incomes. Every state’s Medicaid program is different, but each Medicaid program is required to follow federal guidelines. Medicaid in Ohio is simply called Ohio Medicaid. To receive Medicaid benefits, you must be enrolled in a Managed Care Organization (MCO), and the agency providing the care services must be contracted with that MCO.
Because it’s a form of health insurance, Medicaid will not help you cover the cost of rent in a senior apartment. However, if you require personal care services due to a medical condition, Medicaid can help you cover the cost of these services from the comfort of your senior apartment.
Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid
Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid is a Medicaid program specifically for seniors and individuals with qualifying disabilities. To qualify for Ohio ABD Medicaid, you’ll need to meet Medicaid’s basic eligibility requirements as well as one of the following:
- You must be aged 65 or older.
- You must be legally blind.
- You must have a disability as defined by the Social Security Administration.
If you receive ABD Medicaid, you can use it to cover medical care, as well as some long-term care services, such as in-home personal care.[04]
Ohio residents in senior apartments may also be able to receive financial support with care services through home and community based services (HCBS) waivers.
Ohio has one home and community based services waiver that may be used for seniors’ long-term care within their own home, known as the PASSPORT waiver. This waiver is designed to cover care for people who need a nursing facility level of care, but choose to live in the community instead of in a skilled nursing or assisted living community.
Ohio Medicaid PASSPORT waiver
If you require a nursing facility level of care but still choose to live in your senior apartment, you may be able to use the PASSPORT waiver to cover personal care services in your home. The PASSPORT waiver is a home and community based services waiver for Ohio residents age 60 and over.
The PASSPORT waiver includes basic Medicaid coverage and may cover costs such as prescription medications, physician visits, and hospital stays. The PASSPORT waiver can cover costs of more specialized long-term care services, including the following:[05]
- Personal care, such as support with activities of daily living
- Meal services
- Adult day and respite care
- Transport to medical appointments
- Medical equipment
If you’re an Ohio Medicaid recipient, you can manage your care through the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline Member Portal. You can also visit one of the Ohio Department of Aging’s several area agencies on aging (AAAs) to receive additional support with Medicare, Medicaid, and other services. If you need advice or advocacy on your rights as a resident in senior living, reach out to a long-term care ombudsman.
Cleveland resident Medicaid resources
Ohio Medicaid Member Portal
Phone: 800-324-8680
Ohio Department of Medicaid
50 W. Town St., Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43215
Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging
1700 E. 13th St., Suite 114
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: 800-626-7277
Medicare is a federal program designed to extend health coverage to Americans 65 and older or individuals with qualifying disabilities. Medicare has multiple parts that cover different aspects of health care such as the following:
- Inpatient hospital stays or skilled nursing care
- Doctors’ services, medical services, and medical supplies
- Prescription medications
As a form of health insurance, Medicare can’t be used to pay rent for senior apartments. However, if you qualify for Medicare, you can use it to cover medically necessary in-home care and care for short-term medical conditions. To find more information on Medicare costs and coverage you can visit the federal Medicare website, or contact your local Ohio Social Security Administration office. Qualified seniors may get help paying for Medicare deductibles and premiums through Medicare Savings Programs.
You can receive additional Medicare support from the Social Security Administration. You may be able to dual enroll in Medicare and Medicaid, which will enable you to pay Medicare premiums using Medicaid benefits. If you need advice or advocacy on your rights as a resident in senior living, reach out to a long-term care ombudsman. Find links to these resources below.
Cleveland resident Medicare resources
Senior apartments are generally a lower-cost senior living option, ideal for retirees with limited resources. If you need additional help paying for housing, you can apply for assistance, such as the Housing Choice (Section 8) voucher, from the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority.
The Housing Choice voucher is designed to make quality housing available to lower-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. If you do intend to use the Section 8 voucher to pay for a Cleveland senior apartment, first check with the community to make sure they accept it, as not all do.
Another way for seniors to offset the cost of rent may be to use Social Security benefits, such as the following:
- Social Security in retirement (also known as Social Security Retirement benefit/SSR) replaces a portion of your income when you retire.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (or SSDI) offers financial assistance to individuals who have a work history but who are unable to work due to a disability.
- Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) offers financial assistance to individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled but do not have a work history.
- Social Security survivors pension assists the dependents (such as a spouse or children) of a deceased person who qualified for social security benefits.
These may help cover rent in a senior apartment depending on your eligibility and the community itself. To qualify for SSDI, you must have eligibility for SSI as well as work history credits as defined by the Social Security’s specific parameters.
Cleveland resident public assistance resources
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
Apply for Housing Choice voucher
Local Housing and Urban Development Office
Cleveland Field Office
1001 Lakeside Ave., Suite 350
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: 216-357-7900
Understand Ohio laws and regulations for senior apartments
Cleveland senior apartment facilities generally have a minimum age requirement of 55, 62, or 65. Age minimums in senior apartments often don’t apply to every tenant; rather, one person in each apartment household must meet the age requirement. However, it is common for children under the age of 18 to be prohibited from living in an age-restricted community such as a senior apartment, so if you have young children or custody of grandchildren, your senior apartment community options may be a bit limited.
Cleveland senior apartments are subject to the same regulations as any other Ohio apartment. Tenants and landlords each have their own rights and obligations.
Ohio apartment regulations
As a tenant in any Ohio apartment, including senior apartments, you have rights to appropriate and safe living conditions. Landlords of apartments are responsible for ensuring and maintaining standards of maintenance, safety, and cleanliness for their tenants. Landlords’ requirements include the following:[06]
- Ensure that all electrical, plumbing, sanitation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, elevators, and other facilities are in good and safe working order.
- Organize waste removal services.
- Supply heat and running water.
- Make needed repairs to keep the building safe and usable.
- Comply with building codes for health and safety purposes.
- Ensure that shared areas are clean, sanitary, and safe.
Tenants of Ohio apartments are responsible for their share of upholding the facility’s living conditions for themselves and their neighbors. As a resident of a Cleveland senior apartment, your responsibilities will include the following:[07]
- Refrain from disturbing your neighbors with excessive noise.
- Keep the premises clean and safe.
- Use plumbing and electrical equipment appropriately.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Follow state and municipal drug laws on the premises.
- Follow health and safety codes for housing.
ADA compliance
Senior apartment communities fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means that, like public and commercial spaces, owners are required to make reasonable accommodations and modifications for individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities are protected from discrimination; thus, owners of housing facilities are prohibited by federal law from denying residency to these individuals.
Reasonable accommodations are changes to rules or policies so residents with disabilities have access to the same activities and benefits as other tenants. The following are some examples of reasonable accommodations:
- Providing convenient parking
- Providing those with disabilities equal access to the property’s communal areas or social activities
- Adjusting rent payment due dates to correspond with tenant’s disability payments
Modifications can include making the space more accessible for individuals with disabilities through construction changes to the apartment building and unit. Modifications may be the adding a wheelchair ramp, building a hands-free entrance, or installing handrails in bathrooms. The costs of these modifications are the property owner’s responsibility, rather than the tenant’s.[08] Find more information on related Ohio tenant-landlord laws below.
- View the Ohio Tenant and Landlord Guide
- View the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Housing Guide for Seniors and Individuals Who Have a Disabilities
Ohio Department of Health contact information
Ohio Department of Health
246 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-466-3543
Cleveland Department of Public Health
75 Erieview Plaza
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: 216-664-2324
COVID-19 regulations for Cleveland senior apartments
As most COVID-19 restrictions in Ohio have been lifted, there are no statewide COVID-19 regulations in place for Ohio senior apartments at this time.
What to expect from senior apartments in Cleveland
As a resident of a senior apartment in Cleveland, you can enjoy the benefits of independent living at a price that serves your budget. Senior apartments typically have fewer amenities than independent living facilities in order to keep prices low, but still have more to offer than most all-ages apartments. Enjoy a worry-free retirement in a community where you can shed the responsibilities of home ownership like lawn care and maintenance. Senior apartments also offer many social opportunities, as your neighbors will be other retirees.
Cleveland senior apartment private amenities
The following are examples of amenities that most senior apartments offer residents in their individual apartments:
- Private patios or balconies
- High-speed internet
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Fully equipped kitchens
Cleveland senior apartment community-wide amenities
Our senior apartment partners in Cleveland typically offer amenities for the whole community, including communal leisure areas and on-site conveniences like the following:
- Management staff
- Maintenance
- Storage units
- Community swimming pools
- Fitness centers
- Recreational areas
- Planned social activities
- On-site salon services
Cleveland luxury senior apartments
You’ll also find some luxury senior apartment options in Cleveland, which offer even more indulgent amenities. These senior apartments will usually provide the same basic amenities as most senior apartments, plus luxuries such as the following:
- Concierge services
- Dining and meal services
- Housekeeping services
- Fitness classes
Explore senior care with confidence
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See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Cleveland? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Cleveland, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual retirement income for Cleveland seniors 65 and older[09]
Health care for seniors in Cleveland
Cleveland residents have access to several excellent teaching hospitals and medical centers.
The Cleveland Clinic is ranked No. 1 in Cleveland, according to U.S. News and World Report. The Cleveland Clinic’s procedures are among those of the top hospitals in the United States. It’s nationally ranked in 13 adult and nine pediatric specialties.
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Founded in 1866, UH Cleveland Medical Center is a high-performing teaching hospital. Its 35-acre campus includes the Siedman’s Cancer Center and the Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. It’s the No. 2 hospital in Cleveland.
Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital
Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest is the third-highest ranking hospital in Cleveland and the fourth in the state of Ohio, according to U.S. News and World Report. It is high performing in four adult specialties and 11 procedures.
Transportation for seniors in Cleveland
Downtown Cleveland has excellent public transportation, and it is quite walkable and bikeable. Further outside of downtown, you will probably want to use a car or your senior apartment community’s transportation services, if available. Of our Cleveland senior apartment partners, 67% offer transportation services, some complimentary and some at-cost, depending on the community’s policies and whether the services are on-demand or scheduled.
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority offers several transportation options, with safety, connection, and inclusion kept at the forefront of their mission. You have railway lines, bus routes, a downtown trolley, and paratransit services designed for those with disabilities, all at your fingertips.
Downtown Cleveland is ranked as very walkable by Walkscore.com, which gives it the following transportation ratings out of 100:[11]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Cleveland
There’s always something to do in Cleveland. From nostalgic attractions to annual festivals, Cleveland is a fun and happening city. Did you know that the beloved classic movie, “A Christmas Story,” was filmed in Cleveland? You can even visit the “A Christmas Story” house and pay tribute to a major award. Just be careful not to shoot your eye out! Read more about family attractions, dining, and offerings just for seniors like you.
Cleveland attractions
Cleveland has so many must-see attractions, including museums, wildlife centers, and more. Check out these fun family attractions:
- “A Christmas Story” House
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Greater Cleveland Aquarium
- Children’s Museum of Cleveland
- Cleveland Botanical Garden
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
You can also enjoy the Cleveland orchestra or catch a Browns, Monsters, or Guardians game.
Cleveland dining and libations
Cleveland is a go-to destination for craft beer. You can pick up an annual Brewery Passport to get discounts on local brews and make sure you don’t miss any of Cleveland’s best craft beers. Like any Midwest metropolis, Cleveland has a smorgasbord of restaurants, from German to Japanese. Careful not to fill up too much on dinner, because you’ll definitely want to check out the many breakfast and brunch options as well.
Cleveland 60+
Why stop learning once you retire? All of Ohio’s state colleges and universities offer free classes to seniors aged 60 and up. Cleveland also offers a number of senior centers designed to offer engagement, enrichment, and social activities. If you want to get out and about but need additional support, or if you want to explore the city but would rather do it with friends, find a senior center near you and stay connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Westwood Place, Independence Place I and II and Haven at Lakewood are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Cleveland, OH. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Cleveland is $2,198 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022-2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Cleveland [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Ohio Department of Medicaid. Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid.
Ohio Department of Aging. PASSPORT.
Landlords and Tenants, Ohio Revised Code § 5321.04 (2012).
Landlords and Tenants, Ohio Revised Code § 5321.05 (2012).
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Cleveland. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals Cleveland.
Walk Score. (2023). Downtown, Cleveland.
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